Chiefs-Falcons: 5 things we learned from Kansas City's Week 3 win

The Kansas City Chiefs played another unequal game on Sunday evening against the Atlanta Falcons. Although they shot themselves in the foot several times, they also made big gains at the right moments. They did just enough to achieve a 22-17 away victory.

But in the NFL, a win is a win. The Chiefs now have a one-game lead over the Los Angeles Chargers in the AFC West.

This game was full of teachable moments. Here are five things we learned.

1. Step aside, Lit! The Chiefs are their own worst enemy

I know it’s a cliché, but the only team that can beat the Chiefs is themselves. Whether it was an interception, a roughness on the passer penalty, a pass interference penalty on third down that prevented an opposing tackle, or a rookie wide receiver stopping a crucial third-down pitch, these mental and physical errors added up to three straight games that were nail-biting right up until the very end.

The NFL is a league built on parity. You can’t last forever before sloppy football catches up. But if the Chiefs can get things right, they could dominate. After the game, head coach Andy Reid said the team has a lot of things to work on — and he’s right. This isn’t the best version of the Chiefs — and whether that improved version ever comes to fruition is entirely up to them.

2. Mahomes needs to stop being cute – and be “that guy”

There are two versions of quarterback Patrick Mahomes. One is the guy who plays a little too loose, improvises a little too much, and flicks the ball down the field on short- to medium-length passes – all off his back foot. Most of the time, that works really well for him. But sometimes the fact that he throws the ball all over the field leads to him throwing with short arms, throwing passes behind his receivers – or, like Sunday night, giving defenders time to tempt him into throwing the ball directly to them.

Other times, he’s determined, standing on his feet and driving the ball down the field. This version of the quarterback is a fierce fighter with a cannon arm. He’s not afraid to shoot the ball into small windows. He’s accurate – and the best player who ever played.

So far, we’ve seen more of the loose-lipped Mahomes in 2024 than the Jordan-like, uncompromising player we know lurks beneath the surface.

3. This running back group is like the cast of a movie

Kansas City’s running back group could be a football version of “Oceans 11” or a sequel to “The Only Place Without You.” Each one has its own story and background.

The injured star: Isiah Pacheco

Just when it looked like this was finally going to be Pacheco’s year, where he could take the next step forward as the best running back on the league’s most dangerous offense, he gets injured and is left cheering from the sidelines.

The guy who works things out: Clyde Edward-Helaire

Since he is not currently on the Reserve/NFI (non-football injury) list, we expect him to step in and contribute – as soon as possible.

The Outsider: Carson Steele

He really shouldn’t have made it this far – which gives his down-to-earth style of play a down-to-earth appeal. He may never be a superstar, but he’ll do a lot of things right – and show up when it’s his turn.

The journeyman: Samaje Perine

He’s been around the block so many times that the neighborhood dogs know him. He’s a seasoned veteran who still has a little left in the tank. Even though he’s not the same player he once was, he still has something to offer.

The guy who wants to make everything right again: Kareem Hunt

His past mistakes have already cost him three Super Bowl rings – but he’s back and hoping to end things the right way.

When all these characters come together, it creates something that is fun. While it may not be the best thing you’ve ever seen on television, it’s easily watchable in one sitting.

4. The Chiefs’ run defense is real

Kansas City’s run defense had another big day and the opposing running back wished he had called in sick. Atlanta’s Bijan Robinson might be one of the best ball carriers the Chiefs will face all year. They held him to just 31 yards on 16 carries.

It was the third game in a row in which Kansas City limited the opposing team’s running back to fewer than 50 yards.

Linebacker Nick Bolton led the offense in this game, overcoming a back injury to make his second game-winning play of the short season. Other players who have made big strides include homegrown players like Tershawn Wharton and Mike Danna.

5. The Chiefs need a third passing option

Rashee Rice is a top-notch receiver. Travis Kelce is double-covered on every snap. The team had been banking on Hollywood Brown being the one who could break through man coverage and create space. But now he’s injured and there’s no confirmed timetable for his return – and in the meantime, the Chiefs are forcing the ball to Rice, who ranks seventh in receiving yards.

While Rice has been brilliant so far, he needs another receiver who can fill the role left by Brown.